Middletown students honored at luncheon

Published 12:00 am, Wednesday, June 8, 2011

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Catherine Avalone

Catherine Avalone

Photo: TheMiddletownPress

Middletown students honored at luncheon

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MIDDLETOWN - Each of the students honored on Wednesday has different interests and goals, but they all share a commitment to getting good grades and serving others in the community and in their schools.

Seven exceptional students from the city's middle and high schools were honored for their academic and extracurricular achievements at a luncheon at First and Last tavern.One student was selected from each grade level for the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents' Superintendent/Student Recognition Award, and Superintendent of Schools hosted them and their families at Wednesday's ceremony. The students were selected based on recommendations from teachers and guidance counselors.

Nathan Fletcher, a high school senior, said he's passionate about music, and has performed with several of Middletown High's music groups. He's also performed as a soloist at several performances in New York City and elsewhere.

"It's difficult sometimes, but I've managed to get it all done in the last few years," he said. Next year, he said, he's attending the University of Connecticut to study music composition and vocal performance.

Lydia Tonkonow, the tenth-grader selected for the award, also has a passion for the arts. Tonkonow is "the poster child of Middletown High School, both figuratively and literally," explained guidance counselor Ralph D'Amato. This year, he explained, Tonkonow designed the high school's new blue dragon mascot, which was selected in a school-wide vote.

Tonkonow said she "definitely wants to do something with art in my life."

"It's a good way to express yourself," she said, adding that she likes experimenting with different colors and techniques. In addition, she plays on the girls' soccer team.

Cristian Narvaez, the eleventh-grade recipient, plays on the ultimate Frisbee and track teams, and volunteers at a youth center, and mentors middle school students. Narvaez said he'd been working hard in school for his entire life. "I guess it finally paid off," he said with a smile. His secret to success, he said, is time management, setting goals for himself and trying to fit activities in.

Ninth-grader Sarah Isaacson explained that she participates in swimming, crew and band. Even though she broke her ankle this spring, she said, she's still been going to every crew practice to support her teammates. She said starting high school was difficult at first, but she quickly got used to and is looking forward to next year.

"It was stressful in the beginning but it got better as the year went on," she said. "So I like it a lot so far."

One of the recipients, sixth-grader Sharin Hossain, was unable to attend because she was on a field trip with her classmates, but her parents, Anwar and Sharifa Hossain, accepted the award on her behalf. Keigwin Middle School Principal Tracey Koff explained that Sharin is involved in numerous activities at the school, including the after-school program "Scholars in Action" and the Student Council. Through the student council, Koff said, Sharin has helped organize numerous fundraisers to support people in need both locally and around the country.

"We are really proud of her," said Sharifa Hossain. "She's a great daughter." And even though Sharin wasn't able to attend the lunch, she said, "her heart is here."

Both of the students from Woodrow Wilson Middle School said that they're determined to improve the school environment and help eliminate bullying. Seventh-grader Zachary Fitzner explained that he participates in several sports at Woodrow Wilson, but said his real passion is trying to prevent bullying through his work with Pride Patrol. Bullying, he said, has caused problems for many students around the world, often leading to isolation and sometimes suicide. "We have to put a stop to it now before it's out of control," he said.

Eighth-grader Joshua Broome also involved with Pride Patrol, as well as basketball, track and "a lot of other sports." Broome said he especially enjoys working with the Pride Patrol, because of the help he can give to other students.

"It helps people do the right thing and you put them on the right track and you give them the right paths," he said. "You can show them that they have a whole life ahead of them.

Broome's mother, Tiffany West, said she was "really proud of what my son has accomplished."

"I guess you always wonder if you're raising your kids right, and when something like this happens, you know you are," West said.

Claire Michalewicz can be reached by email at cmichalewicz@middletownpress.com. Text MIDNEWS to 22700 to get news alerts directly to your cell phone. Standard messaging and data rates apply.